分类： society

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A wave of civic unrest swept through northwest Manchester on Monday as exasperated taxi operators and local residents mobilized to blockade the crucial Somerset main road. The demonstrators expressed profound frustration with the persistently hazardous condition of this vital transportation artery, which has suffered severe deterioration over an extended period.

The protestors attribute the road’s degradation to consistently overloaded commercial vehicles, particularly cement trucks, which routinely spill their contents and compromise the structural integrity of the pavement. This transportation corridor serves as an essential link connecting multiple communities throughout northwest Manchester to the central hub of Mandeville, making its functionality critical for regional mobility.

The spontaneous demonstration created significant disruption for morning commuters, with numerous travelers compelled to traverse miles on foot to access alternative transportation options. Local law enforcement and fire service personnel were deployed to the scene by mid-morning, actively working to clear the obstructed roadway and restore traffic flow.

Community representatives have issued urgent appeals to their elected officials, demanding immediate intervention to address the dangerous road conditions. Additionally, protesters are calling for enhanced accountability measures for operators of heavy-duty vehicles whose practices they believe have contributed significantly to the infrastructure’s decline. The incident highlights growing tensions between citizens and governing bodies regarding infrastructure maintenance and regulatory enforcement in the region.

Law enforcement agencies in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, have launched a significant public appeal for assistance in locating multiple individuals connected to ongoing criminal investigations. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has published an extensive list containing both formally wanted suspects and persons of interest believed to possess crucial information regarding serious offenses committed within the parish.

The roster of wanted individuals features several dangerous fugitives, including Anward ‘Kirkie’ Hinds, Javaughn Simms, and Oral Cole, all of whom have escaped lawful custody. The list further identifies multiple homicide suspects such as an individual known only as ‘Okeith’ from Leaseland and Jackson ‘Randy Gayle’ Gayle of Santa Cruz, both wanted for murder charges.

Notably, the wanted catalog includes numerous sex crime offenders, with Lincoln Farquharson, Paul Smith, Merrick Parchment, and Rushane ‘Biggie’ Abrahams all sought for rape-related offenses. David Pottinger faces allegations of engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor under 16 years old, while Aldain ‘CK’ Bailey is wanted for buggery charges.

Additionally, law enforcement seeks various persons of interest who frequent specific districts throughout St Elizabeth and neighboring parishes. These individuals, including individuals known as ‘Merryman’, ‘Kimmel’, and Shakera ‘Lizard’ Whyte, are believed to possess valuable information that could advance multiple criminal investigations.

The JCF has urgently requested that any listed individuals immediately present themselves at the Black River Criminal Investigations Branch. Furthermore, authorities have encouraged community members with relevant information to contact police emergency services at 119, Crime Stop at 311, the St Elizabeth PIU at 876-965-2026, or their nearest police station, emphasizing the critical importance of public cooperation in resolving these cases.

A tragic head-on collision on the North Coast Highway in Trelawny has resulted in two fatalities, with local authorities confirming the identities of the deceased victims following Sunday morning’s devastating accident.

The fatal incident occurred approximately at 7:10 AM near the Carey Park main road segment, where a gray Toyota Corolla traveling toward Falmouth collided with a blue Nissan X-Trail moving in the opposite direction. The impact proved fatal for both occupants of the Toyota Corolla, who sustained critical injuries during the crash.

Medical personnel transported all involved parties to Falmouth Public General Hospital for emergency treatment. Despite medical intervention, the Toyota Corolla’s driver and passenger were pronounced dead upon arrival. The victims have been identified as 50-year-old Donovan Robinson of Lyndhurst Crescent, Kingston 5, and Lloyd Buchanan, also of Kingston.

The female operator of the Nissan X-Trail survived the collision with non-life-threatening injuries and remains under medical supervision at the healthcare facility.

Trelawny Police Division has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, examining road conditions, vehicle mechanics, and potential contributing factors to determine the collision’s cause.

This incident adds to Jamaica’s concerning traffic safety statistics, with official data revealing 25 road fatalities recorded island-wide since January 1st. While this figure represents a modest decrease from the 29 deaths reported during the same period last year, authorities continue to emphasize road safety awareness and responsible driving practices.

Authorities in Arizona’s Pima County have launched an intensive search operation for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of prominent NBC ‘Today Show’ co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, following her mysterious disappearance under circumstances suggesting criminal involvement. Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed during a Monday press briefing that investigators have designated the residence a active crime scene, stating unequivocally that the elderly woman did not leave voluntarily. The investigation has drawn in homicide detectives, though officials remain tight-lipped about specific evidence recovered from the property. Medical concerns compound the urgency of the search, as Guthrie requires ongoing medication and experiences mobility challenges, though authorities emphasize she maintains full mental capacity. Surveillance footage from the home is undergoing forensic analysis as part of the broader investigation. The case has garnered national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s high-profile status as a morning television icon, though law enforcement maintains focus on the humanitarian aspects of locating a vulnerable senior citizen.

In a powerful address marking Religious Liberty Day, Jamaican Seventh-day Adventist advocate Nigel Coke issued a stark warning against emerging legislative efforts in the United States that would legally enforce Sunday as a universal day of rest. Speaking at Andrews Memorial SDA Church in St. Andrew on January 24, 2026, Coke identified such proposals as a significant threat to fundamental religious freedoms.

The religious liberty director referenced specific initiatives by a Washington, DC-based advocacy group promoting statewide limitations on Sunday commercial activities. While acknowledging the表面上 virtuous intentions behind promoting family time and social cohesion, Coke emphasized that these measures fundamentally privilege one religious tradition’s day of worship over others.

“However well-meaning these proposals might appear,” Coke asserted in his sermon titled ‘It’s Buying Time,’ “they cross a critical boundary when they effectively favor one religious tradition’s practices. Seventh-day Adventists maintain that every individual—whether Baptist, Catholic, Muslim, or other—should possess the unequivocal right to worship on whatever day they choose.”

Drawing from Revelation 3:14–22, Coke contextualized the current debate within the Adventist movement’s 160-year history of opposing Sunday legislation. He noted that such restrictions, while often framed in secular terms like public health or national unity, create substantial practical challenges for faith communities that observe different Sabbath days, including Orthodox Jews and Seventh-day Adventists.

Coke elaborated that commerce limitations could restrict economic opportunities and indirectly pressure religious minorities to conform to Sunday observance. He invoked the biblical concept of “eyesalve”—spiritual discernment enabling believers to distinguish genuine religious freedom threats beneath appealing policy packaging.

“We urgently require this spiritual eyesalve today,” Coke told congregants, “particularly in an era characterized by misinformation. Laws framed under the guise of unity or safety may subtly erode conscience rights. This divine discernment helps us perceive when religious liberty, though theoretically protected, faces practical erosion.”

The religious liberty director encouraged believers to pursue the triple spiritual gifts described in Revelation 3:18: faith refined through adversity (gold), Christ’s righteousness (white raiment), and clarity of vision (eyesalve). He emphasized that only hearts transformed by grace could withstand mounting societal pressures.

Concluding with a call to action, Coke challenged attendees to utilize current freedoms to advocate for universal conscience rights while preparing for future challenges through prayer, scriptural study, and active community engagement.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaican government has disbursed more than $115 million in housing recovery grants to citizens affected by Hurricane Melissa through its Restoration of Owner Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) initiative. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security confirmed that 1,305 households have received financial assistance through various payment channels, with systems now fully operational to expedite nationwide disbursements.

The assistance program categorizes damage into three tiers: minor damage ($75,000 for structurally sound homes with roof, window, or door damage), major damage ($200,000 for homes with compromised structural elements), and severe damage (up to $500,000 for properties requiring complete reconstruction).

As of January 30, distribution figures show 1,235 households received $75,000 each via direct deposit totaling $92.625 million. Fifty beneficiaries in the severe damage category received up to $500,000 each through digital vouchers amounting to $25 million, while twenty recipients obtained prepaid cards totaling $1.5 million.

At a recent handing-over ceremony in Santa Cruz, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr acknowledged the extraordinary efforts of over 400 volunteers and approximately 300 staff members who completed 87,876 home assessments enabling these payments. “Their compassion and tireless service have proved invaluable to the national recovery effort,” Minister Charles stated.

The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to responsible stewardship, warning that “fraud will not be tolerated, because every misused dollar deprives another family of help.” He clarified that grants are exclusively for home restoration purposes and announced established support systems including help lines and technical guidance for beneficiaries.

Minister Charles offered reassurance to those awaiting assistance, confirming that assessments and verifications continue across all fourteen parishes. “No eligible family will be left behind,” he declared, referencing Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s January 15, 2026 pledge that every Jamaican who lost a home to Hurricane Melissa would receive rebuilding support.

A prominent Jamaican healthcare professional who migrated to the United States has issued a stark rebuttal to Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton’s appeal for overseas nurses to return home amid staffing shortages. Dr. Cheryl Morgan, who left Jamaica in 2009 after graduating from The University of the West Indies, articulated why financial incentives and improved infrastructure alone cannot reverse the brain drain.

Having built a distinguished career in the United States—earning doctoral credentials, authoring a memoir titled ‘Jamaican Born,’ and establishing herself as a businesswoman—Dr. Morgan emphasized systemic issues within Jamaica’s healthcare system. She cited chronically low wages, inadequate resources, and societal disregard for nursing professionals as primary reasons for the exodus.

Minister Tufton, during recent visits to US cities including Washington, DC, New York, and Miami, promoted repatriation by highlighting infrastructure upgrades, crime reduction efforts, and increased disposable income opportunities. He proposed incentives for relocation and mentioned a housing program for healthcare staff.

However, Dr. Morgan countered that these measures fail to address deeper institutional flaws. She described nurses in Jamaica struggling with poverty, inability to afford mortgages or vehicles, and public criticism when advocating for better pay. By contrast, international recruitment offered competitive salaries, professional advancement opportunities, and improved living conditions.

Citing specific deficiencies, Dr. Morgan noted outdated hospital facilities, insufficient medical equipment like IV pumps, reliance on families to supply medications, and inadequate ambulance services. She proposed alternative solutions, such as leveraging diaspora expertise for telemedicine initiatives, satellite clinics, and systemic reforms—without physical return.

With approximately 20 years of experience and licenses to practice in multiple US states, Dr. Morgan now operates a clinic focusing on type 2 diabetes care and runs a philanthropic foundation. She urged the government to focus on retaining new graduates and reforming the healthcare system rather than seeking repatriation of those who have established lives abroad.

The parish of Manchester, Jamaica, is confronting a severe outbreak of violence following a series of coordinated shootings that claimed four lives within a narrow twelve-hour window from Saturday evening into Sunday morning. Superintendent Carey Duncan, head of the Manchester police, has publicly identified two individuals sought for questioning in connection with the brutal attacks that terrorized the communities of New Hall, Old England, and Ellen Street, south of Mandeville.

The police are appealing to Orane Nelson, also known as ‘Prince’ from May Day, and CJ Wilson of Old England, to present themselves at the Mandeville Police Station to aid the ongoing investigation. This appeal comes as law enforcement pursues what Superintendent Duncan described as ‘strong leads’ and several theories regarding the motives behind the apparently connected killings.

The victims have been officially named as Dejaune Hamilton, Raheem ‘Richie Rich’ Ward (22), Adrian Reid, and David Brown (33). The timeline of violence began around 7:30 PM Saturday, with Hamilton being fatally shot at a football field adjacent to a car wash in New Hall. Hours later, Ward and Reid were killed in the vicinity of a bar in Old England. The spree culminated in a particularly harrowing incident around 1:40 AM Sunday, when David Brown was executed at his Ellen Street home.

According to a traumatized eyewitness, Brown’s murder was carried out by two assailants posing as police officers. They forcibly gained entry to his home and shot him in the head in the presence of his spouse and four of his five children. The witness recounted the horrific details, stating Brown was dragged from his bed and shot multiple times after pleading for his life. Described as a construction worker and a dedicated father, Brown’s sudden death has left his family devastated and deeply concerned for the psychological well-being of his children, one of whom is preparing for critical primary school exams.

This violent surge presents a stark contrast to broader national trends. While the Jamaica Constabulary Force reports a significant 55 percent reduction in murders across the country for January compared to the same period last year, Manchester Parish has recorded four homicides this year, after having none at this time in 2023.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a dramatic courtroom development, ex-Parliament member Jolyan Silvera has entered a guilty plea to manslaughter charges concerning the fatal shooting of his spouse Melissa Silvera in 2023. The case has drawn significant public attention, unraveling a narrative that initially pointed to natural causes.

The tragic incident dates back to November 10, 2023, when Melissa Silvera, a respected land developer and mother of four, was discovered deceased at the couple’s residence in Stony Hill, St Andrew. While early reports suggested the 42-year-old had succumbed to natural causes during sleep, a subsequent police investigation revealed three bullet fragments within her body, prompting a murder probe.

Authorities took Silvera into custody in January 2024, where he has remained detained throughout judicial proceedings. The couple had been married since 2015, with their family tragedy compounded by the previous loss of one of their four sons.

The legal representation includes defense attorneys Peter Champagnie King’s Counsel and Patrice Riley advocating for Silvera, while prosecutors Dwayne Green and Latoya Bernard are presenting the case for the Crown. The guilty plea represents a significant turning point in a case that has captivated Jamaican society, highlighting issues of domestic violence and judicial accountability.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A significant healthcare enhancement initiative has been launched at Percy Junor Hospital (PJH) in Manchester through a substantial donation from the newly established US-based diaspora foundation Right Now For Jamaica (RNFJ). The contribution, valued at approximately US$30,000, represents the first phase of a comprehensive support program designed to strengthen medical infrastructure in hurricane-affected regions.

The donation encompasses both medical essentials and technological equipment, including specialized medical instruments such as forceps, syringes with needles, and skin preparation gel. The foundation also supplied patient care items ranging from antifungal creams to adult incontinence pads and baby diapers. Beyond medical supplies, the contribution included 15 computers, multiple tablets, administrative furniture, refrigeration units, and filing systems to modernize hospital operations.

Founded by Manchester natives Dr. Maurice Miles and his wife Trudy Hall Miles, RNFJ emerged specifically to address reconstruction needs following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. The handover ceremony held on January 30 featured remarks from Ambassador Audrey Marks, Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation, who also serves as Manchester North Eastern Member of Parliament where PJH is located.

Ambassador Marks revealed that the initial donation represents merely the beginning of sustained support, with an additional US$24 million worth of supplies already being mobilized. Critical medical equipment including adult and pediatric ventilators, electrocardiogram machines, and dialysis units are currently being sourced by the foundation in direct response to identified hospital needs.

Hall Miles, speaking for RNFJ, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to enabling quality healthcare delivery. ‘Providing medical teams with proper tools is fundamental to delivering compassionate care,’ she stated, noting plans to acquire intravenous poles and patient transport ventilators. The foundation has announced an upcoming fundraising gala in March featuring reggae artist Etana, with proceeds dedicated to health and education projects within Manchester North Eastern.